Mayor launches Richmond’s Green Gym

Release Date: 12 October 2017

Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Lisa Blakemore, was on hand this week to launch Richmond’s Green Gym, which offers volunteers the opportunity to take part in practical nature conservation sessions while getting active and fit.

The Green Gym’s guided activities will include practical conservation habits such as planting wildflowers, scything, the removal of invasive species and scrub clearing, path clearance and deadwood hedging. Sessions start with a tools and safety talk and warm up exercises.

Cllr Lisa Blakemore, Mayor of Richmond said:

“This project is an example of where a partnership is working well to deliver improvements for the benefit of the local open spaces and local residents.

“Engaging and interacting within our communities has been shown to boost our health and happiness, so I’m delighted that this project is launching in the borough.”

"We are thrilled to be launching a Green Gym in Richmond. TVC’s Green Gym is an evidence based, award winning health and wellbeing programme, bringing people together in outdoor spaces to engage in meaningful physical activity. Participants in Green Gym have told us how they feel more useful and develop an optimistic view of their future, while improving their mental and physical health. Richmond Green Gym will maintain Mereway Nature Park and Meadway Orchard creating nature habitats, bringing communities together and leaving a legacy for others."

Richmond Green Gym sessions run from 11am to 2pm every Wednesday throughout the year. The group meet at KG Café in Kneller Gardens.